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Romantic Stone Studio Close To The Beach

Villa Athena is located in Kato Gouves, inside a big olive grove and 10 minutes away from the beach. The property consists of a traditional villa, a stone studio, two apartments and two maisonettes.The stone studio is a result of traditional Cretan architecture, combining stone and wood. It is 50 sq. mt. (533 sq. ft) large and it combines a living room, kitchen and bedroom in the same area. There is a double bed in the room, a kitchenette, a dinning table, a couch and of course the bathroom. There is also a closet, drawers and a fireplace. Also, the guests have a LCD TV and wireless internet available. The stone makes the temperature of the studio really cool during the summer months, but there is also air-conditioning available. The decoration of the studio consists of local Cretan artifacts and paintings, together with traditional furniture. Finally, we can also accommodate an extra bed for a child, if there is a family of three visiting. The outdoors of the property are absolutely amazing. A well preserved garden, with a barbecue facility and a traditional stone-oven to prepare delicious meals. A lot of tables with colorful chairs and big sun umbrellas with sunbeds are there to help you relax under the Cretan sun. All this setting is surrounded by our family's century old olive grove, that gives the property a traditional Cretan touch.All this setting is surrounded by our family's century old olive grove, that gives the property a traditional Cretan touch. After all, Cretan olive oil is considered to be the best extra virgin olive oil in the world. The area is open and spacious, perfect for a family with children, in order for the kids to play and be close to nature's environment. Finally, the view towards the sea, the olive grove and the hills around is relaxing, while a walk towards the sea is 10 minutes away. The parking space of the property can easily fit up to five cars. (EOT 1039K10002991801)

Romantic Stone Studio Close To The Beach

Villa Athena is located in Kato Gouves, inside a big olive grove and 10 minutes away from the beach. The property consists of a traditional villa, a stone studio, two apartments and two maisonettes.The stone studio is a result of traditional Cretan architecture, combining stone and wood. It is 50 sq. mt. (533 sq. ft) large and it combines a living room, kitchen and bedroom in the same area. There is a double bed in the room, a kitchenette, a dinning table, a couch and of course the bathroom. There is also a closet, drawers and a fireplace. Also, the guests have a LCD TV and wireless internet available. The stone makes the temperature of the studio really cool during the summer months, but there is also air-conditioning available. The decoration of the studio consists of local Cretan artifacts and paintings, together with traditional furniture. Finally, we can also accommodate an extra bed for a child, if there is a family of three visiting. The outdoors of the property are absolutely amazing. A well preserved garden, with a barbecue facility and a traditional stone-oven to prepare delicious meals. A lot of tables with colorful chairs and big sun umbrellas with sunbeds are there to help you relax under the Cretan sun. All this setting is surrounded by our family's century old olive grove, that gives the property a traditional Cretan touch.All this setting is surrounded by our family's century old olive grove, that gives the property a traditional Cretan touch. After all, Cretan olive oil is considered to be the best extra virgin olive oil in the world. The area is open and spacious, perfect for a family with children, in order for the kids to play and be close to nature's environment. Finally, the view towards the sea, the olive grove and the hills around is relaxing, while a walk towards the sea is 10 minutes away. The parking space of the property can easily fit up to five cars. (EOT 1039K10002991801)

Romantic Stone Studio Close To The Beach

Romantic Stone Studio Close To The Beach

Romantic Stone Studio Close To The Beach

Villa Athena is located in Kato Gouves, inside a big olive grove and 10 minutes away from the beach. The property consists of a traditional villa, a stone studio, two apartments and two maisonettes.The stone studio is a result of traditional Cretan architecture, combining stone and wood. It is 50 sq. mt. (533 sq. ft) large and it combines a living room, kitchen and bedroom in the same area. There is a double bed in the room, a kitchenette, a dinning table, a couch and of course the bathroom. There is also a closet, drawers and a fireplace. Also, the guests have a LCD TV and wireless internet available. The stone makes the temperature of the studio really cool during the summer months, but there is also air-conditioning available. The decoration of the studio consists of local Cretan artifacts and paintings, together with traditional furniture. Finally, we can also accommodate an extra bed for a child, if there is a family of three visiting. The outdoors of the property are absolutely amazing. A well preserved garden, with a barbecue facility and a traditional stone-oven to prepare delicious meals. A lot of tables with colorful chairs and big sun umbrellas with sunbeds are there to help you relax under the Cretan sun. All this setting is surrounded by our family's century old olive grove, that gives the property a traditional Cretan touch.All this setting is surrounded by our family's century old olive grove, that gives the property a traditional Cretan touch. After all, Cretan olive oil is considered to be the best extra virgin olive oil in the world. The area is open and spacious, perfect for a family with children, in order for the kids to play and be close to nature's environment. Finally, the view towards the sea, the olive grove and the hills around is relaxing, while a walk towards the sea is 10 minutes away. The parking space of the property can easily fit up to five cars. (EOT 1039K10002991801)

Overview

Details

studio

538
sq. ft.

People

2

Bedrooms

Studio

Bathrooms

1

Minimum Stay

3 nights

About the property

Stone studio surrounded by a beautiful garden and very close to the beach

Villa Athena is located in Kato Gouves, inside a big olive grove and 10 minutes away from the beach. The property consists of a traditional villa, a stone studio, two apartments and two maisonettes.The stone studio is a result of traditional Cretan architecture, combining stone and wood. It is 50 sq. mt. (533 sq. ft) large and it combines a living room, kitchen and bedroom in the same area. There is a double bed in the room, a kitchenette, a dinning table, a couch and of course the bathroom. There is also a closet, drawers and a fireplace. Also, the guests have a LCD TV and wireless internet available. The stone makes the temperature of the studio really cool during the summer months, but there is also air-conditioning available. The decoration of the studio consists of local Cretan artifacts and paintings, together with traditional furniture. Finally, we can also accommodate an extra bed for a child, if there is a family of three visiting. The outdoors of the property are absolutely amazing. A well preserved garden, with a barbecue facility and a traditional stone-oven to prepare delicious meals. A lot of tables with colorful chairs and big sun umbrellas with sunbeds are there to help you relax under the Cretan sun. All this setting is surrounded by our family's century old olive grove, that gives the property a traditional Cretan touch.All this setting is surrounded by our family's century old olive grove, that gives the property a traditional Cretan touch. After all, Cretan olive oil is considered to be the best extra virgin olive oil in the world. The area is open and spacious, perfect for a family with children, in order for the kids to play and be close to nature's environment. Finally, the view towards the sea, the olive grove and the hills around is relaxing, while a walk towards the sea is 10 minutes away. The parking space of the property can easily fit up to five cars. (EOT 1039K10002991801)

About George Papachristos

I grew up in Athens, where I still live and work. I spent all my life's summer and Easter holidays in Crete, in the property where today lies Villa Athena. The property was purchased by my great-grand father (died at the age of 101) and was cultivated with olive trees from my grandfather (died at the age of 94) and grandmother. From that day on our family gathers the olives in December and January to produce an olive oil of the best quality in the world. On this setting my parents extended and renovated the house, thus creating the beautiful Villa Athena.

George Papachristos purchased this studio in 1925

Why George Papachristos chose Hersonissos

This property is valuable for my family, because it goes back two generations. It carries with it our Cretan bloodline, our family's history and our cultural heritage. For us, and Greeks in general, family is the most important thing, it defines us in our life path. So, this property is closely linked with our memories as children, with images, fragrances, sounds and sentiments. Today, for our family this property, apart from producing our olive oil, which is the base of our diet, acts also as our retreat from the noisy and stressful city.

What makes this studio unique

The unique benefits of Villa Athena is its tranquil environment that makes it feel as a perfect retreat from the city, while being a 5 minute drive from anything one could miss from the city. The beauty of its gardens, the audors and colors makes the environment as relaxing as it can get. Its strategic location close to all the main roads and sights makes touring in Crete very comfortable. Together with the local tastes and drinks that you can enjoy in Crete, it feels like life cannot get any better. It is very difficult for one no to fully recharge here.

Facilities

Accommodation and facilities for this holiday studio in Hersonissos in Heraklion Region

Property Type:

studio

floor 0

Building Type:

villa

Meals:

Self-catering

Housekeeping:

Housekeeper Optional

Floor Area:

538 sq. ft.

House Rules:

Check-in: Noon
/
Check-out: 10:00

Max. occupancy: 2

pets considered

Events Allowed

children welcome

smoking allowed

Location Type:

Beach View

city centre ...

Mountain View

Ocean View

resort ...

rural ...

village ...

Theme:

Adventure

Away From It All

Family

Historic

Romantic

Tourist Attractions

General:

Air Conditioning

Fireplace

Internet

Iron & Board

Linens Provided

Living Room

Parking

Towels Provided

Kitchen:

Coffee Maker

Dishes & Utensils

Kitchen

Microwave

Oven

Refrigerator

Hob

Dining:

Dining ...

Dining Area

seating for 4 people

Bathrooms:

1Bathroom

Bathroom 1 -
Toilet
,
Shower Enclosure

Bedrooms:

Studio, Sleeps 2

Bedroom 1 -
1 Double Bed

Entertainment:

Games

Television

Outside:

Terrace

Garden

Barbecue

Suitability:

Long-term Renters Welcome

limited accessibility

Attractions:

caves

churches

cinemas

laundrette - not serviced

festivals

forests

marina

museums

naturist beach

playground

pond

recreation centre

restaurants

ruins

theme parks

water parks

winery tours

Leisure Activities:

bird watching

eco tourism

horse riding

outlet shopping

paddle boating

photography

scenic drives

sight seeing

walking

Local Services & Businesses:

ATM/bank

fitness centre

groceries

hospital

laundrette - serviced

massage therapist

medical services

Sports & Adventure Activities:

Basketball Court

cycling

deepsea fishing

fishing

golf

golf pass optional

hiking

jet skiing

mountain biking

mountain climbing

mountaineering

paragliding

pier fishing

sailing

diving

snorkelling

surfing

swimming

tennis

water skiing

water tubing

wind-surfing

Notes:

We always have someone waiting for our guests and guide them to the property.

Heavenly

I stayed in this lovely little nest for a month and couldn't have loved it more. Located in a breathtaking setting with a great beach within walking distance, this studio is perfect for someone looking to get away from everything. The managers of the property, Alex and Maria, are kind, caring, friendly and endlessly helpful. This was the perfect base from which to explore the entire island with a car. There is a big Lidl nearby to load up on supplies and immediate access to the main road that traverses Crete. Outside is a lovely terrace covered with flowers and the stone work inside is gorgeous. WiFi works great and so does the A/C. I never wanted to leave.

Lovely property in quiet location

The property was ideal for my wife and me in a quiet location away from main roads and town. The Livingroom/bedroom was open plan which gave a spacious feeling. The property was very close to the beach and restaurants just a short drive away, we tended to eat at tavernas in the village of Gouves.

Tricky to find, clearer instruction or signage would help, we didn’t have too much problem as we use the grid reference and GPS. Owner somewhat blasé about care of his property and dealing with issues. E.g. automatic garden watering system flooded the bedroom floor and was damaging the shutters. Refrigerator iced up and required defrosting on arrival. Hot water was not available on arrival until we asked and were instructed to switch the fuse. No DVD player or stereo as in description.

Up´s and Down´s you don´t want to have during vacation

But all the dishes and windows were dirty, the bathroom water taps were totaly calcified and therefore only half-usable (the toiletbrush I don´t like to mention). Not the half of the installed sockets worked, and none of all the nicely placed spotlights. The hotplates were rusty and the oven dirty from the inside. The room was quite humid.

When we told the manager of the area, that we can´t accept the price we payed for what we got he first became a bit angry and aggressive and excused everything (the housecleaner forgot..., yesterday it rained, so the windows..., ah, good you tell me. I didn´t know...) then gave us another flat, that was fully new equipped.

It was clean and everything worked, the toiletbrush was dirty and the doublebed was a kind of hammock.

And then, immediately after our complaints, he and his wife came with a bottle of wine, asked if everything was OK now and if we could take care of their dog, because they had to leave the place for two days due to familly affairs - the dogs food allready at hand...

No - we didn´t enjoy much ( neither did a group of students that experienced the same as we did).

The great advantage of Villa Athena is that it is strategically located close to all nearby attractions, not only of the area around, but of the whole Iraklion and western Lasithi prefectures. The basic must-see sights of the region are the palace of Knossos in Iraklion and the Archeological Museum of Iraklion, in the city center. A walk inside the walls of the Old town of Iraklion is absolutely recommended, as is the 'bougatsa' delicacy, which you can enjoy at the Lions Fountain. Another route that I would strongly recommend is a visit to the beautiful town of Agios Nikolaos to the east, together with the beautiful villages of Milatos and Kritsa along the road. Of course one should not miss to swim in the beaches of Elounda Bay (where all the high-class resorts lay) and then have a seafood lunch or dinner on the waterfront of the village Plaka, with a breathtaking view of Spinaloga (a small island in the bay with a Venetian castle on top, which used to be a quarantine town for lepers). Finally, another great sight would be a trip to the Lasithi plateau, on the Diktis Mountain, where one can see the famous windmills and ride a donkey up to the cave, where Zeus was born in Dikteon Andron (over the village of Psihro). Some close-by attractions that you should not miss are the Cretaquarium in Gournes, one of the most interesting aquariums in the Mediterranean, and the numerous Orthodox monasteries in the region. Finally, if you are into hiking the various gorges and mountain paths will satisfy even the most demanding hikers.